Campfire Classic ‘Peacekeeper’ is Current Swell’s Latest Offering

Canadian indie-rockers Current Swell are staying true to their folk-rock roots with bright new single ‘Peacekeeper’, the third in a string of songs released this year. 

Current Swell earned their dedicated following through their melodic ruminations on profound themes such as unconditional love, the cycle of life and death, and even fame and success. Since breaking out onto the scene in 2005, Current Swell’s enduring success has seen them embarking on sold-out tours across North America, Europe, and Brazil. 

The four-piece made their long-anticipated return this summer with the release of ‘Ba Ba Song’, marking their first song in over four years. The band also performed at Phillips Backyard Music Festival in Victoria last month, alongside the likes of Black Pumas and Trophy Dad. Responding to a comment on their latest Instagram post, the band stated that they are hoping to put out concert dates soon, and even teased the potential of an upcoming album.

On ‘Peacekeeper’, vocalist Scott Stanton doesn’t beat around the bush; he sings of living in the moment and longing to ‘keep the peace’ to avoid conflict, conjuring up the image of two people talking cordially on a quiet sunset drive. The song preserves the campfire atmosphere established on ‘Early Riser’ and ‘Ba Ba Song’ earlier this year, while maintaining the sonic dynamism that longtime fans of Current Swell are so familiar with. 

The playfulness evoked by the piano melody gives the song an innocent quality throughout, appearing to dilute the complex theme of adult relationships that Stanton navigates in the song’s lyrics. The singalong simplicity of the chorus elevates this throughout: “If you’re feeling good, I’m feeling good too, mama / If you’re feeling right, then there’s nothing to do”. 

With an uplifting sound that is reminiscent of The Lumineers and Mumford and Sons - on ‘Peacekeeper’, Current Swell champion a folk-indie tenderness that feels like a welcome, warm embrace. 

Lina Adams

@creativelicensepodcast

Image: 'Peacekeeper' Official Single Cover